HC Deb 07 February 1968 vol 758 cc386-7
29. Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an assurance that the Overseas Marketing Corporation Limited will have no privileges relating to official information, credit insurance or finance, which are not equally available to other export houses.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

My right hon. Friend announced in the House on 2nd November, 1967, the extent of the Government's financial assistance to Overseas Marketing Corporation Limited. Apart from this, the Corporation will be eligible to receive the full range of the Government's services on the same basis as every other exporter, but will receive no special privileges.—[Vol. 753, c. 11–13.]

Mr. Jenkin

Is the hon. Lady aware that that reply will come as a reassurance to the very important sector of the British export houses which already do over £1,000 million of export business, earning in the course of it over £40 million in invisible earnings?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I am well aware of the efforts made by many export houses, but the purpose of the Corporation was that it should fill any gaps that might exist.